Which of the following best describes the type of democracy present in colonial America?

The type of democracy present in colonial America is best described as limited democracy. This characterization reflects the fact that, while some elements of democratic governance existed, such as colonial assemblies elected by property-owning males, significant restrictions were in place that limited participation in the political process. Not all individuals had the right to vote; women, enslaved people, and many free men without property were excluded from the democratic process.

In addition, the colonies operated under a system that often favored the interests of wealthy landowners and merchants, further contributing to the limited nature of their democratic practices. The governance structures established by the colonies emphasized localized control through elected representatives, but the scope of who could engage in this representation was narrow, underscoring the limitations of democracy at the time.

This combination of a framework that allowed some degree of self-governance while still imposing restrictions on who could participate aligns with the term "limited democracy."